Even with Assurances, Some Avoid Pork, Hogs

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Apr 30, 2009 at 2:34 PM CST

Story Updated: Apr 30, 2009 at 2:34 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - Pork industry officials say they are "cautiously optimistic" that the impact from swine flu on the industry will be minimal.

Cindy Cunningham, a spokeswoman with the Iowa-based National Pork Board, says officials are hopeful because word quickly spread that pork is safe to eat.

Hog prices and grain prices dipped sharply early in the week amid fears the virus would deal a devastating blow to the industry.

But grocery stores and meat lockers in Iowa have reported no decrease in pork sales this week.

The virus has spread to at least 15 states. Iowa has two probable cases and officials are waiting for confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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